Amazing GraceIn my investigation of spiritual life, I have found that the concept of grace is the one huge difference between Christianity and all other religions and philosophies.

My Search in the ShadowlandsI was created for a purpose. So were you. This life is not an accident, and the major events that mark our journey are not random. However, it is not obvious to us because we often see it and try to explain it only through the physical realm or what author Randy Alcorn calls the "Shadowland." Music is a good example of this. You hear it through the physical dimension of the ear, and can understand the theory of it in your mind, but the essence of the sound penetrates to a deeper level that cannot be explained. Music quiets the savage beast. It is a healing thing.

Prophecy and MusicTo those who are ready and want to hear, music makes an intense impact to the soul. It affects the inner man. No matter what the style or where the venue, music speaks unknown words to us. After I became a Christian, and began studying the scriptures, I think I found out why that happens. The Lord speaks to us through the things that move us. The thing we are most moved by is used by God to open our soul to hear his voice. It is not reserved only for music, God speaks to us in a variety of ways, but there are examples in the bible of how God uses music for His purposes.

Recommended Books A list of recommended books and texts for reading to expand your spiritual consciousness.

The Battle for your HeartWhen I met Jesus in 1973, I found the reason and purpose for existence. Jesus, Lord of Lords and King of Kings loved me, and ransomed me from a death penalty and I knew I would live in His kingdom forever. I thought that was the end of the struggle. I was unprepared for conflict. As a young Christian, I had not considered two very important things seriously enough.

The Pit Bull Has a Doctoral Degree Sports events, successful careers and circumstances of life offer parallels to our spiritual life. For instance, if you watch the Olympics are you ever struck by the fact that someone as great as Michael Phelps often wins a swimming meet by a fraction of a second?

Worship and MusicWorship is a religious term that simply means to tell God how much you love him. This should be a moment-by-moment occurrence as opposed to once a week in church. The implication for musicians is twofold. First, if you know Jesus and want to be more like Him, then it is a heart attitude that makes everything you do turn into worship. Therefore, when and wherever you play is worship if your heart is in the right place, whether in a concert, club, jam session, practice or in church. Secondly, the scriptures place huge importance upon music in worship.

You Must be Born AgainThis man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “ Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:2, 3)

AER Amps
Short for Audio Electronic Research, these amps are spectacular for acoustic guitar and are very small and lightweight. With a very clean direct out, it acts as a monitor in a church or concert situation and sounds great in the P.A.

D'Addario Strings
I endorse D’Addario strings and am confident there is the right set of strings for you no matter what style of music you play.

D’Pergo Guitars
Stefan D’Pergolas specializes in strat and tele bodies made out of old growth wood. He made a tele-style for me and it is sweet.

Fender
I still use old Fenders occasionally. I like the Vibralux and an old Princeton, which sounds great for some situations

Mesa Boogie Amps
I often use the Lone Star Special with separate head and cabinets with one 12 in speaker in each.

Schaefer Guitars
Ed Schaefer is a talented luthier and has made two instruments for me that I designed and he perfected. The Freddy is a small archtop and the Hamilton Headless is a solid body and travels very well